Which repair is always considered major under EPA regulations?

Replacing an evaporator coil is always considered a major repair under EPA regulations because it involves the essential components that directly impact the system's ability to function effectively. The evaporator coil plays a critical role in the cooling process by transferring heat from the inside of a space to the refrigerant, thereby cooling the air.

When this component is replaced, it often involves significant disassembly of the system and a substantial amount of refrigerant handling, which can affect the entire refrigeration cycle. Since the EPA guidelines aim to minimize the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, significant repairs like this trigger strict regulatory requirements for recovery and recycling of refrigerants. Additionally, the complexity and potential environmental impact of replacing an evaporator coil necessitate the classification of such actions as major repairs.

In contrast, other repair options like cleaning condenser coils or replacing a receiver-drier are seen as less invasive actions and do not typically involve the same level of refrigerant handling or system disruption, thus not meeting the criteria for major repair designation under EPA regulations.